Quick Hits: Blue Jays, Pena, Padres, White Sox, Braun

An interesting fact courtesy of Yahoo's Jeff Passan (via Twitter): Of the 23 teams to have spent money on free agents this offseason, the Red Sox rank 18th and the Yankees are tied for 19th. Each team has spent $4.35MM and $4MM, respectively.

The Blue Jays now have 40 men on the 40-man roster after acquiring Frasor, which means that the club will need to make another move in the coming days to create space for Oliver, Chisholm tweets. The veteran agreed to a one-year deal with a club option for 2013 on Friday.

An official familiar with the appeals process for banned substances told Tom Haudricourt of the Journal-Sentinel that he doesn't anticipate Ryan Braun winning his case against a 50-game suspension. The source said that Braun's only options are to prove an error in the testing or say that the Brewers signed off on a treatment. However, there are provisions in place to ensure accurate testing and the club never gave Braun the go-ahead to use any substance.

Fielder liked the idea of playing in Chicago because it's a reasonable distance from his Florida home and he has had success at Wrigley Field, writes Ken Davidoff of Newsday. However, that no longer appears to be a possibility for the slugger as the Cubs are looking to rebuild.

I REALLY hope the Padres can get something done to trade Hudson. We actually do have other options at 2B now. Forsythe could work, but I definitely think they should look at Vince Belnome. Hes never been considered much of a prospect but he had insane stats, even in the pitching-favored Texas league last year. He fields well, hit like .330, had almost 20 homers, and has speed. I hope they invite him to camp at least.

Interesting stats on Belnome, heard his name once before, but can’t remember where. That said, as bad as Hudson was with the media and fans last year, he produced well, even after accounting for his contract. If he’s able to keep his head down and work (I assume he will, this being a contract year), Padres should get some nice production out of him.

Hudson produced well? No way. Belnome may not be ready for MLB until mid 2012; however, playing in Tucson will greatly pad his stats. Belnome was drafted as a third baseman and moved to second base. Belnomes bat was just as hot as Gyrokos was until he got hurt. The Padres have some real good bats making their way through the farm system: Lariano, Spangenburg, Gyroko, Belnome, and Decker.

No exceptions? Then Belisario must know people who know people since he just got suspended for a banned substance, which is exactly what I implied would happen to Braun. Mike Cameron in 2007? Neifi Perez? Depending on the reports you look at, some are saying it was a banned substance and not a form of PED, therefore a 25 game suspension.

Positive steroid test results
First positive test result: 50 game suspension
Second positive test result: 100 game suspension
Third positive test result: lifetime suspensionAll suspensions are without pay. In addition, a suspended player can be replaced on the active roster by another player. If a player is on the disabled list, the suspension is served while on the disabled list.

Conviction for use of prohibited substances
First offense: 15 to 30 day suspension and/or a fine of up to $10,000
Second offense: 30 to 90 day suspension and/or a fine of up to $50,000
Third offense: minimum one year suspension and/or a fine of up to $100,000
Fourth offense: minimum two year suspension
Any subsequent offense(s): The level of the discipline will be determined by the Office of the Commissioner, consistent with the concept of progressive discipline.All suspensions are without pay.

According to the policy, a player can draw a 25-game suspension for only a few reasons:1. A player is involved or suspected of being involved in with a drug of abuse, ordered to take part in a treatment program, and fails to comply.2. A player tests positive for a stimulant.3. A player is convicted or pleads guilty to using or possessing a prohibited substance that is considered a drug of abuse.

According to the policy, a player can draw a 25-game suspension for only a few reasons:1. A player is involved or suspected of being involved in with a drug of abuse, ordered to take part in a treatment program, and fails to comply.2. A player tests positive for a stimulant.3. A player is convicted or pleads guilty to using or possessing a prohibited substance that is considered a drug of abuse.

No exceptions? Then Belisario must know people who know people since he just got suspended for a banned substance, which is exactly what I implied would happen to Braun. Mike Cameron in 2007? Neifi Perez? Depending on the reports you look at, some are saying it was a banned substance and not a form of PED, therefore a 25 game suspension.

If this is Viciedo’s last year of his contract the sox must give him an extension. If he breaks out the whitesox wont have crap to offer him next year. That would be a huge loss to the “rebuilding” plans.

Unless he makes Super Two status after his contract expires in 2012, they’ll have him on pre-arbitration for 2013; in other words, the Sox determine his salary. If he’s good, he’ll probably get what he made in 2012.

Then they have him at arbitration rates for 2014-16. Even if he breaks out, he won’t really be expensive until the back end of arbitration.

The Cubs could choose to rebuild with Fielder and Castro as offensive anchors. I don’t think they will sign Fielder, but they do have the money. Over 50 mil has been freed up since the start of last season and another 40+ mil will come off the books after this coming season. The White Sox should DH Viciedo and play Dunn in right. He clearly needs to play the field to return to his previous hitting form. Kenny didn’t get it last year, not sure he will this year either.